BAINBRIDGE ISLAND PADDLING SOCIETY
� 1997
In Memory of Tom Thompson
Pictures of the Obon Ceremony
The BIPS logo: Frog Rock, a kayak and a fork-and-spoon-kayak-paddle are emblems of the BIPS. Frog Rock is a landmark on Bainbridge Island. Kayaking is our reason for being together. The fork and spoon represent a favorite part of kayak trips: EATING.
The BIPS is a group of friends who get togther regularly to kayak and/or eat. Our trips range from going 2 miles to the Manchester Inn for breakfast to longer, more strenuous paddles in the straits, Hood Canal or Puget Sound. We also enjoy the occasional pot luck dinner. If we get blown off the water we head for the nearest diner to console ourselves with food.
Pack it in - Pack it out?
Our motto, coined by Kathy:
PACK IT ON,
NOT OUT
video of BIPS kayaking in rough weather from Catala Island to Yellow Bluff, Twin Islands and back to Catala
Video of BIPS on the Uchuck and being launched into the ocean at Nootka Sound
Bips crossing Gillam Channel from Catala Island in big swells
video of BIPS kayaking in rough weather from Catala Island to High Rocks
Mt Rainier and Orchard Point taken while paddling to the Manchester Inn for breakfast
Pictures from the Skagit trip 2005
More pictures from our New Years 2003 Paddle
Pictures from our summer trip 2003
To Barkely Sound
Pictures from Guemes Island, November 2002
Second group of pictures from Guemes Island
Third group of pictures from Guemes Island
Fourth group of pictures from Guemes Island
Fifth group of pictures from Guemes Island
Pictures from the Skagit River Trip
In Barkeley Sound 1996, near our camp on Diana Island
BIP TRIP 2001: Back To Barkely Sound. The 10th anniversary of our first trip to the Broken Group we return to this fascinating archipellago.
PICTURES OF FY2001 TRIP TO THE BROKEN GROUP.
Our Past Trips to Vancouver Island have been to Barkeley Sound and the Broken Group, Desolation Sound, Clayoquot Sound, Nootka Sound, Esperanza, the Bunsby Isles, Nuchatlitz and the Deer Group. At home we paddle in Puget Sound, Hood Canal, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Ocean.
In FY 2000 We did something different. Went South to the Oregon coast and paddled in sloughs and estuaries.
PICTURES OF FY2000 TRIP TO OREGON COAST.
Pictures from the annual trip 1998
July 18 - 25, to the Deer Group in Barkely Sound
PI article about Kathy leading BIPS in South Sound
The BIP DIP is a rite of passage for BIPS
HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO LATELY
March 15, 2008, Brooke reported: Kathy Joyce led yesterday's paddle, now known as the (T)ides of March paddle, from Horsehead Bay, out around Raft Island, and back to Cutts Island for lunch. There were nine of us to enjoy the beautiful day. It was a perfect paddling day, with calm water, no BIG W's WEATHER/WIND/WAVES), and ended with a dinner stop at the Tides Tavern in
Gig Harbor.
Kathy (leader) reported: We had a perfect paddling day--perfectly flat water, sunbreaks, a leisurely paddle around Raft Island to Allyn Point and back to Cutts Island for lunch where some people sunbathed while Brooke regaled us with her Hawaii stories. Thank you for suggesting this trip. Your spirit was there with us. We were honked away by nesting Canada geese so we kept to the north side of Cutts Island. Those Canada geese were pretty aggressive; not to be messed with.
July 13 to 20, 2007, Brooke lead the annual trip to Vancouver Island. Here is her report.
Trip Recap:
There were nine of us on the "Gucci" trip to Broughton Archipelago last
week. We flew under the radar of the Weatherman. No rain while paddling,
only rain at night or after we got off the water. Lovely sunny days, and
warm weather most of the time.
Paddler's Inn was a great place to sleep and eat, since it would have been soggy to tent there. We were about the only kayakers in the whole area, with floatplanes and yachts bringing in most of the tourists. A wilderness to explore, and more islands than we could ever visit in a whole summer.
The only other two paddlers were a couple from Provence, two sixty-something music teachers who found Paddler's Inn on the internet, same as we did. Bernard was quite a fisherman. He and Monique paddled a double foldboat farther and faster than we did. When Tanya invited them to dinner the night she and Gerry cooked, Bernard showed up with sole and one rockfish for Earl (Bernard heard it was his favorite). Bernard cooked blackened sole a la Provencal as their dinner contribution.
We actually did crack open the BIP Songbook, thank you Susan Oja. Bernard and Monique know many of our favorites, and we sang the Marseillaise to them in return.
Saw no whales or bears, but heard of sightings in and around the area. Spotted several porpoise, many eagles, kingfishers, murres, auklets, river otter, raccoons, heron, seal. When we checked out Pierre's marine resort in the next bay, they treated us to a full tour of the facility and a wonderful home movie in their "Octopus Theater" of humpbacks, orcas and Alaska brown bears. We hope the Klemtu group can see those in real life.
Visited Billy Proctor's Museum, a lifetime of beachcombing and material history of the Broughton. Billy himself presided and answered questions about Chinese relics, logging tools, bottle flotsam and jetsam.
Thanks to Earl, Tena, Kathy, Gerry, Tanya, Karin, Ed & Claire for all your help and good cheer. I had a bit of performance anxiety about leading my first summer trip, and you made it easy.
Cheers,
Brooke
May 20, 21, Brooke and John took over for Earl and Tena to lead the first day of the Pot Holes trip. Chuck and Teri, Bill and Rita, Jill, Ronn and Debbie with sons John and Ryan enjoyed excellent bird watching and paddling on Saturday. Pelicans fished and flew in formation, Phalaropes bobbed, Black Necked Stilts strutted and Avocets, Herons, Egrets and lots of ducks showed their colors. The weather cooperated. They explored Corral Lake, then moved over to nearby Blythe Lake where ducks and 8 Pelicans entertained them.
Tena and Earl joined up in Othello Saturday evening just in time for a walk to dinner at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It's a really different little family run place in a grocery store. The food was very good, inexpensive and generously served.
Sunday we checked out some birding spots, but most of the birds were elsewhere. We gunkholed around Hutchinson and Shiner lakes and again, didn't see too many birds. It's interesting paddling though, cruising along the cliffs and poking into little coves. Marsh Wren songs and chatter poured from the reeds and Redwing Blackbirds defended their nests. A Bullock's Oriel flashed orange and black as it flew into an olive tree, but the highlight of the day was the juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron that posed on the edge of the reeds while everyone got a look and John got an excellent picture. Rain came and we left. It was a lot of fun to paddle in a very different environment.
Leaders John and Brooke with Bill on Hutchinson Lake.
John's Pictures From Our 2006 Potholes Trip
April 22, Brooke lead an Earth Day trip to Prichard Park to help pull Scotch Broom and cut Ivy. We (Brooke, John, Kathy, Tena, Earl, Bill, Rita, Jeanette, Donald and Mike) left from the road end near Brooke's condo and paddled Eagle Harbor ahead of a cold tailwind. At the park we pulled and cut for about 2 hours. It took hard work to warm us in that cold breeze. After a snack we got back in the boats and headed out to the mouth of the harbor, then crossed over to Wing Point. We hugged the shore on the way back to stay out of the wind. It was warm and calm as we wound our way through the maze of docks and moorages back to Brooke's place. A strong headwind challenged us the last little bit to the take out. Brooke treated us to a pot of delicious Mexican Sopa which was served with all kinds of goodies everyone had brought.
March 18, 2006, Kathy led a nice trip out of Gig Harbor. Bill and Rita, Susan, Jeanette, Chuck and Teri, Earl and Tena turned out for the event. We met at Gig Harbor's finest coffee house to get in the mood, then headed for the boat launch on the other side of the bay. The weather was pretty cool with a slight breeze blowing. We paddled past all the expensive yachts and fancy houses out the mouth of the harbor and headed North up Colvos Passage. Point Defiance looked us in the face as we entered open water. Soon we were across from Vashon Island. After a few miles we went ashore on a lonely beach and ate lunch under the gaze of an eagle in a nearby tree. The sun came out and warmed us a bit before we headed back. After the paddle some of the group sped straight home, some followed aromas to the Tides Tavern for world famous chowder and a couple drank hot chocolate at a friends house near the boat launch and helped with a plumbing project. It was a fine trip and should be repeated, especially the coffee, hot chocolate and chowder. Forget the plumbing.
February 18, Bill and Rita kindly took over leadership of the Skagit River/Snow Geese trip, when the substitute leader dropped out. Chuck and Teri, Debbie, Jill, Tena, Bobbie and Brooke filled out the list of those willing to paddle in the freezing temperatures. Here is Brooke's report: Our Skagit River paddle was lovely. The day was bright and beautiful. Cold as Blitzen, but the sun compensated well. Picture trumpeter swans in pairs gliding over a sunset gilded delta, snow geese on the wing, and swaths of dunlins swooping across the horizon. Also, ask us about the Wet Portage method of travel. Ask us how to thaw out toes and fingers near the car heater. Ask us about Conway Country Pub.
January 1, 2006, Jill lead the annual BIPS New Years kayak trip. This year we went to Lake Union in Seattle. We launched near Gerry and Tanya's houseboat and paddled to Portage Bay and through the Montlake Cut to the Arboretum. We saw Herons, Gadwals, Woodducks, Buffleheads and Hooded Mergansers among other birds. We even had an Eagle fly close overhead. The sun came out for us a couple of times and the rain was too weak to melt anyone. The wind on the way back was a real challenge, so we had good apetites for the potluck at G and T's housboat. There were 14 boats and 18 BIPS on this trip. One of the really big ones.
In November we rented a beach house on Whidby Island for a fine weekend of companionship, good food and pleasant kayaking.
Sept 24, 2005, Le Tour des Tres Parque. Earl and Tena led a trip from Fort Ward State Park along Rich Passage and Port Orchard to Illahee State Park where we had lunch. Chuck and Teri, Brooke, Claire, Jill, and John all had a good time paddling on calm water in the warm early Autumn sun. From Illahee we crossed to Waterman Point and paddled along the coast to Point Glover and Manchester State Park at Middle Point where we saw a wedding taking place. After waiting around in vane for a invitation to join the reception or at least toast the bride and groom we headed back across Rich Passage to Fort Ward.
Aug 27, Bill and Rita led an excellent paddle and hosted a wonderful pot luck dinner. Everyone came, so we had 14 boats including two doubles and a tripple. That's 18 people - Wow - traffic jam at the launch. We put in at the bottom of their driveway and paddled toward the north end of the island. It was cool with a gentle breeze as we started. When we entered Agate Passage the current was with us at the south wind died, so we had a free ride. most of the way to Manzanita. We spent a lot of time on a sandy beach near the Agate Pass bridge, eating, chatting and watching Bill cavort in a prickly nest of tree roots and also in the water. Some of the group paddled into Hidden Cove on the way back and others headed straight for the take out and the food. Lots of good food and winde and beer and pop for the kids. John was presented a card to congratulate him on his retirement - still four days off. Rita had wonderful pictures from our trip to Nuchatlitz to show on the computer and we saw pictures of our 2004 summer trip. It was a wonderful time and we reluctantly dragged ourselves away tired and happy. A memorable BIP trip.
July 16 - 22, Annual summer trip. Destination Nuchatlitz on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Six days of sunshine, kayaking and camping with good food and wine. Reese and Gail and Bill and Rita paddled out from Little Espinoza Inlet. Karin, Brooke, Chuck and Teri and Earl and Tena took the water taxi. We camped on a little island west of Rosa Is. We hung our food as bears and wolves visit the area - we saw a large Blackbear coming our way one day and shooed him away. We explored the islands and passages around the area each day and tried to avoid the afternoon winds. The full moon shined on us several nights and the calm evening with its magical light drew us out on the water for a special experience. Lots of Sea Otters were seen everytime we paddled to the ocean side of our island. We often saw them feeding in the passage in front of out camp. A mother Sea Otter and her pup were seen up close by Tena as she paddled around a small islet. Blessed with perfect weather, a beautiful location and exceptional paddling we felt this was a excellent BIP trip.
June 25, Earl and Tena lead a classic BIP trip on Hood Canal - not too much work, but plenty of food and treats. Paddlers included Chuck and Teri, Ed and Clair, Brooke and Jill. We put in at the Tacoma City Light Park near Potlatch and paddled North up Hood Canal in fine sunny weather with no wind. There was only slight current and it was with us. The tide was low as we started and would drop to minus 3 feet in a couple of hours. We saw several Jellyfish and Anemonies. Lots of people were gathering oysters on the beach. When we reached Hoodsport we pulled out and ate lunch at the little public park beside Highway 101. After our picnic we mosied about town looking into the shops and heading toward the Ice Cream Parlor where they have excellent Olympic Mountain ice cream and sorbet. YUM! After the snack we decided to check on our boats and make sure they were still high and dry as the tide was now rising. On the way back down the canal we saw an Eagle up close as it flew low over our heads. We drove home for pizza and salad on the deck. Then we discussed our coming summer camp out at Nuchatlitz on Vancouver Island and watched some video of previous BIP trips.
March 19, 2005, Chuck and Teri led a trip from Manzanita Bay through Agate Passage to the Northeast part of Bainbridge Island. Bill and Rita and Tena and Earl braved the rain and enjoyed the paddling. After exploreing Manzanita Bay we paddled toward the Agate Pass bridge. There were Scoters on the water as well as Buffleheads and a couple of Common Merganzers. We saw several Eagles, including two that watched us hungrily from a perch a few feet above the water. Near Hidden Cove we saw a few Oldsquaw Ducks and more Eagles. A River Otter swam in front of us and crawled out on the shore nearby. We landed where Bill and Rita have an access driveway and walked to their house for lunch. By then it was raining hard and we appreciated the warmth of the house and the hot drinks they served. This was a fun, but somewhat wet trip.
February 26, John led a trip to the Skagit River estuary to see the migrating Snow Geese. Lucky paddlers included Ronn and Debbie with John and Ryan, Chuck and Teri, Jill, Bill and Rita and Earl and Tena. We started downsteam on the river in cold fog. While negotiating a route through the sandbars of the estuary a large flock of Snow Geese flew over and honked loudly at us. Many of us were distracted and came aground in the shallows. So we got a little hiking in too as we towed the boats to deeper water. There were hundreds, if not thousands of Dunlin on the sandbars. John spotted a Ferigenous Hawk and we saw a few Eagles. We ate our lunches afloat while the fog cleared and the sun came out. As the tide started rising we headed back to the boat launch. We loaded up the cars and headed to the farm fields to look for flocks of Geese. On the way we spotted a flock of about 400 Swans resting in a field near Conway. A little farther on we saw the Geese. Thousands of them. In a field beside the road - about 20 feet from the road - binoculars not required. It was a stunning sight with Mount Baker in the background and hundreds more Geese flying in and landing right in front of us. When we tired of this spectacle we headed for Laconner and dinner at the brew pub. It was a perfect BIP trip.
Pictures from the Skagit trip
January 1, 2005, Several brave BIPS got out of bed for the annual New Year's paddle inspite of the weather prediction for wind and rain mixed with snow. We were rewarded with mild conditions: no wind, rain nor snow. Debbie and Ronn with John and Ryan were first to the boat launch at Fort Ward. Tanya and Gerry were right behind. Tena and Earl walked there with kayaks on carts and were offered a lift by Rita and Bill, but we declined. Teri and Chuck rounded out the group. There was a large raft of Scoters in Rich Passage and we saw an Eagle fly over. Tena saw some Grebes and a Guillemot and we heard lots of Sea Lions near the fish pens. There were Seals swimming with us most of the way across. We got to Manchester in little over 40 minutes with the ebb current moving us along. The 12 of us enjoyed hardy conversation and good food at the restaurant. Tena and I had to get back home right after the brunch, but the rest paddled the Manchester shoreline toward Yukon Harbor. On the return we saw some Hooded Mergansers and several Sea Lions. Debbie and Teri organized this trip. New Year's 2005 pics
Sept 25, When we got to the boat ramp at Port Hadlock the fog was beginning to clear, so I dressed for warm weather. So did Ed, Teri and Jill. Tena and Brooke were more cautious, so they didn't shivver when the fog returned and the wind picked up. We paddled north in dense fog to Old Fort Townsend State Park. Some of us who needed them put on warm clothes and we all sat down at a picnic table to fuel up. The fog continued to hide the sun. After lunch the sun came out and we could see Port Townsend and Indian Island. Some of us climbed the hill to the restroom. It was warmer on top of the hill where the wind wasn't blowing. On the way back to Port Hadlock the water was a little choppy from the wind and waves. It was a nice little trip on foggy/sunny day.
July 17 to 24, 2004, Brooke, Kathy, Teri and Chuck, Jill, Bill and Rita, and Earl and Tena got together for the annual kayak trip to Clayoquat Sound on Vancouver Island's west coast. We paddled from Tofino to the northeast area of Vargas Island for the first night's camp. Showers dampened us and clouds hung low on the mountains, but we enjoyed exploring the wild coastline with many picturesque little islands and views of deep fjords. The next day we moved to a lovely, long sandy beach with a view of islands and mountains to the north and the ocean to the west. The rain continued off and on through the third day, with some heavy showers. Each day we paddled up inlets and around islands or out to the edge of the ocean, always returning to the long sandy beach. Four hardy people took a swim on the first sunny day and others took baths in a little stream. Meals were a lot of fun with everyone pitching in with food to share.
The last evening was devoted to a memorial for our founder and leader, Tom Thompson, who died last summer. Brooke brought some of his ashes to be spread on the waters of his favorite kayaking area: Vancouver Island. Tom�s ashes were carried in a beautiful model kayak that Kathy had commissioned from a skilled woodworker. Kathy showed us how to make paper boats for the Japanese Obon ceremony. After dark we shared memories of Tom. Then Brooke took his ashes from the miniature kayak and spread them on the waters. We lit candles in the paper boats, sat them on the water, and watched as they drifted away from the beach. The little lights on the dark water were beautiful. The moon was up and the distant islands and mountains stood out against the dark night sky. Slowly the boats spread out in an irregular line and drifted out a passage between rocks at the end of the beach. Then the lights floated into open water and were gone. Everyone felt that this was a most beautiful and fitting way send a kayaker on his final journey.
Pictures of the Obon Ceremony
June 19, 2004, Teri and Chuck lead a trip from Matts Matts Bay to Port Ludlow in excellent weather. Kathy, Brooke, Jill, Ed and Tena and Earl all had a good time. The sky was beautiful deep blue with fluffy clouds off where they looked nice, but didn't bother us with shade. The water was pretty calm with just a gentle swell and some light chop. We ate lunch at a picnic table at Port Ludlow and a few people took a turn at flying Chuck's kite. The wind was a little wimpy. It picked up though on the way back and we had to put some muscle into it. We saw a lot of seals around the offshore rocks. There were Guillemots and Cormorants and one Marbled Murrelette. A Racoon was digging clams on the shore as we returned to Matts Matts. After the kayaking we went to Port Hadlock where Teri had made reservations for us at the Ajax Cafe. A fun place to eat and the food is excellent - so was the live music.
April 24, 25, Brooke planned and lead this wonderful trip to the lower Columbia River at Skamokawa. Debbie and Ronn with sons John and Ryan, Kathy, Jill, Ed, Chuck, Tena and Earl and Rees from Ashland all enjoyed the paddling, fine weather, good food and companionship. We rented a couple of condos at the Skamokawa kayak center. Nice rooms, great view, small kitchens, nice furnishings. We paddled on the Columbia on Saturday, crossing the river and exploring channels on the South side. Earl couldn't get his act together at the boat launch, so stayed on the North side of the river and explored parts of Steamboat Slough, Brooks Slough and the Skamokawa River. In the Evening we enjoyed a fine dinner with salads, soup, baked salmon and garlic bread with pie and cookies for dessert. The next day most of us paddled up Steamboat Slough to Cathlamet in very warm weather, but with the current and wind against us. Those with less time to kill explored the lower part of Steamboat Slough and returned to Skamokawa. It was a wonderful weekend of sea kayaking.
November 22 - 23, The BIPS travel to Guemes Island Resort for an overnighter with some food and conversation as well as sea kayaking. On Saturday we check in at the resort and then head to the boat launch on the South side. It is cold, but there we are out of the wind on this side. We paddle lazily toward the East end of Guemes Channel, round the point and head back. It's just a 2 hour paddle, but we have a good time. That evening we have a fabulous pot luck dinner in the big cabin and sit around chewing the fat. Sunday it is a little warmer, but the wind is up and the forcast is for 20 to 30 mph. Most of the group decide to paddle anyway, but 3 of us choose to sit it out. We spend some time reading and take a walk while the others enjoy paddling to Bellingham Channel where they have spotted a car. After lunch it is all over and we head for home via the Guemes Island ferry. Our second annual trip to Guemes was a repeat success.
August 23, 2003, Kathy, Jill, Brooke, Rita, Bill, Tena and Earl paddled to Hope Island in the South Sound. It was a beautiful warm day with calm wind and water. We paddled from Arcadia around the North end of the island to the landing site on the South side where we had a picnic lunch. After lunch we hiked the trail around the island and out to three beaches. We enjoyed walking through the beautiful orchard meadow and the old farm implements on display were interesting. Deer were grazing in the meadow when we returned. After our hike we paddled under the bridge to Steamboat Island, explored a little cover near Arcadia and traveled a ways into Hammersley Inlet. We finished off with an excellent dinner at an Asian restaurant in Shelton.
Pictures from our Hope Island trip
January 1, 2003, the New Year's paddle. Tom and Brooke, John and Ginger, Gerry and Tanya, Chuck and Teri, Tena and Earl, and last but not least Jill showed up on a cold, rainy, miserable day and paddled in spite of the weather. We toured Eagle Harbor, then adjourned to the Madrona, waterfront cafe for a protracted lunch. Everyone was glad to be there, especially at lunch.
On Sunday we toured Hutchinson Lake and continued to Shiner via a short connecting channel. There are many bends and coves to explore and most of the way we travelled beside cliffs, large or small. We saw a snake on one of the rock walls, just above the water. Turtles warmed themselves in the sun, lots of Turtles. Marshwrens, Blackbirds, Turns, and Swallows were numerous. Two Ospreys buzzed us while being chased by smaller birds. A large patrol of White Pelicans soared high overhead, gliding and circling with never a wing beat. The big treat was a Great Horned Owl and one nestling on one of the higher cliffs. On ponds near the Potholes area we saw other interesting birds like Wilson's Phalaropes, Blacknecked Stilts, Great Egrets, Cinnmon Teal, Bluewinged Teal, Redheaded Duck, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, Coot, Mallard American Avocet and Northern Shoveller. On the way home we saw Sandhill Cranes near Royal City.
April 20, Tom and Brooke, Tena and Earl, Ronn and Debbie did Earth Day duty at Klaloch cleaning up the beach. Lots of other groups and individuals were on the beach helping and a lot of trash was removed. Now the beach looks manicured.
Jan 1, 2002, John launched in front of his house about 9am New Years Day planning to paddle over to Fort Ward Park to meet other BIPS for the year�s inaugural trip. It was raining and the water was choppy. He shoved off quickly and immediately discovered that someone had used his kayak and moved the foot braces, making them useless. Shortly he realized the seat had been moved too and he had plopped in on top of the seat back. It was very unstable sitting high in the boat with the useless braces; not an auspicious beginning for the New Year. Through dint of skill and determination he managed to get ashore before capsizing and got things adjusted properly. Then shoved off again for Fort Ward.
As he rounded the fish pens in Rich Passage he met Tena and Earl on their way from Fort Ward to Manchester. Smiles all around as the paddlers teamed up. All had been up late to ring in the New Year, but managed to rise early enough to head to Lena�s Manchester Inn for breakfast instead of lunch. It rained harder now, but no one cared.
At Orchard Point fuel depot the Navy had brought in 24 hour guards with trucks and gear. As we neared the point one of the men stepped out where he could be seen watching us. We waved and he waved back. We kept our distance too (300 ft.).
Lena�s was crowded, so we had a leisurely breakfast and a nice chat. By the time we left the rain had stopped. It was a slow paced paddle back with a long wait at Rich passage for ferries to pass from both directions.
April 23 - 25, Earl and Tena led a trip to Orcas Island in the San Juans to see wildflowers. Ronn and Debbie, Tom and Irma, Tom and Brooke, Gary and Sharon all joined us at Doe Bay Resort. On Saturday we paddled from Deer Harbor to McConnel Island for lunch. It was sunny, but cool in the breeze. We saw a mink running along shore beside us at Deer Harbor. An eagle flew overhead and grebes, loons, auklets, ducks and River Otters showed off for us. As we approached McConnel an osprey watched from a small tree that could barely hold him and flew away when we were about 100 feet off. An eagle saw the whole thing from the top of a fir tree, but stayed put to see what we were up to. We lunched in the warm sun out of the breeze and discovered numberous wildflowers including Blue Eyed Mary, Camas, Chocolate Lily and Death Camas. White Crowned Sparrows seemed to own the island. After lunch we ventured on to Yellow Island which the Nature Conservancy maintains as a grassland just as the Native Americans did for 6 to 8 thousand years. The island would return to a Douglas Fir forest if left to nature. Controlled burns and selective cutting keep it in grassland which encourages the native wildflowers. Buttercups shined in the sun and Indian Paintbrush glowed. We enjoyed seeing Camas, Stone Crop, Miner's Lettuce, Shooting Star, Chocolate Lily, Fawn Lily, an unusual albino Blue Eyed Mary and all yellow Chocolate Lilys. On our return we saw seals, River Otterr, Oyster Catchers and a Yellow Legs. In a pond near the put in we saw a pair of Woodducks. Saturday evening we enjoyed a delicous and raucous pot luck dinner. On Sunday Ronn and Debbie and Tom and Brooke paddled up the South side of Orcas from Obstruction Pars. The rest of us shopped and napped, being intimidated by the cold, rainy and windy weather.
May 15, Susan's trip: Tom and Brooke, Earl and Tena and special guests Tim and Jewel from the OOPS in Portland joined Susan on a tour of Rich Passage. From Silver Springs dock we paddled to Illahee State Park. Then we headed for Point White where the ebb was running about 3 to 4 knots. Ferry and tugboat wakes roiled the water at the point. When traffic cleared we crossed over to Point Glover and rode the current to Manchester State Park. After lunch we caught the flood current for a free ride back to Silver Springs dock. In the evening most of the rest of the BIPS joined us for a pizza party and slide show. Tim gave a fascinating presentation on his 500 mile paddle along the northern shore of Baffin Island above the Arctic Circle.
The June trip was cancelled due to overwork.
July 17-24, Our annual trip to the West coast of Vancouver Island. We went to Clayoquot Sound. We spent 3 nights in Tofino in a rented house with trips to Pacific Rim National Park, Little Bay and Tofino Harbor and beyond. The big ticket was 4 days of paddling in Clayoquot Sound with 3 nights of camping on Vargas Island. It was cold and foggy most of the time, but the sun came out a couple of afternoons and warmed us up. We had a nice hike to one of the bays a couple of miles down the Island. Some of us circumnavigated the island on our return and some went back by the inside route.
July 25, Tena and Earl paddled to Manchester for dinner with Stacey. She had missed the trip to Vancouver Island in order to care for her mother. We had a great time, the weather and the water were perfect.
July 31, Tena and Stacey transplanted some trees in Stacey's yard and then paddled to Manchester for dinner. It was a challenge getting there as the tidal current was flooding against them at around 3 knots. They had a nice dinner and an easy paddle home.
Aug 20-22, Starting Friday afternoon from Anacortes, Tom and Brooke lead a trip to Cypress Island joined by John and Ginger. Earl and Tena came over on Saturday morning and met them at the campsight at Cypress Head. Rain fell Friday night and Saturday morning, but then the sun came out and the day turned beautiful. T&B and J&G headed out for Pelican Beach and a hike to Eagle Cliff while E&T set up their camp. The first 4 to Eagle Cliff were treated to viewing a fox close up on top. He posed for about 45 minutes, but left before E&T got there. Saturday evening was cool, but pleasant and we kept warm with a nice campfire. Sunday we headed back in mid-morning and had a nice paddle to Anacortes.
� 1997
JULY 19 TO 25, Barkley Sound trip. Kathy, Jill, Teri, Chuck, Tena and Earl took the water taxi to the ourtermost islands. Rees met us out there. We camped on Benson Island. We enjoyed exploring the area with short trips each day and had a few campfires on the beach with conversation and songs from the BIPS song book.
Pictures from our summer trip 2003
To Barkely Sound
June 28, 2003, Tena and Earl, Jill, Terri and Chuck, Rita and Bill paddled from Freshwater Bay West of Port Angeles to Tongue Point on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Winds were light, currents were slow, water was calm, weather was warm scenery was magnificent. The cliffs and coves in this area are spectacular. We took out at Salt Creek County Park for a few minutes, then headed back with excellent views of Mt Baker to the East. We all enjoyed Italian food and conversation at a restaurant in Sequim on the way back. An excellent end to a perfect day.
Pictures from Tongue Point trip
May 30 - June 1, Earl and Tena lead a trip to the Pot Holes near Moses Lake. We did some bird watching along the way. On Saturday we paddled on Blythe Lake, but were not able to portage to Chukar Lake due to brush and reeds blocking the way.we were treated to a close fly-by from a pair of White Pelicans. On Sunday we explored the Hutchinson/Shiner Lakes Canoe Route. We saw lots of Turtles and birds. No Owls were seen this year, but we did see lots of Blacknecked Stilts, Phalaropes, Terns, a few Blackcrowned Night Herons, some Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Ducks and quite a few Northern Shovelers.
April 26, Kathy led a trip to Ebey Slough. Chuck and Teri, Jill, Susan, Earl and Tena paddled too. It was cold and bleak as we started. The current was swift and the area hadn't been scouted, so we were not too eager at the start, but we got going and everything turned out great. We saw lots of Ospreys and Osprey nests. We headed down the Snohomish River, then into Union Slough, on to Ebey Slough and back to the River. It was sunny and nice by the time we got back. Everyone enjoyed it.
February 22, John and Ginger lead a trip to the Sakgit River Delta. Tom and Brooke, Ronn and Debbie, Suzan, Earl and Tena and Chuck were there to enjoy the unusual scenery and wildlife. We started paddling downstream in a rain squall, but soon were paddling in bright sunshine. After briefly exploring the delta we paddled back to the put in and went looking for Snow Geese. We found them, by the thousands. There were Swans too.
The happy group of Dungeness paddlers, glad to be back and free of the headwind.
Sept 28, Kathy led a fair size group of BIPS on a paddle at Dungeness Bay. Ronn, Debbie, Jill, Terri, Tena and Earl were there as well as Margaret and Henry from England. We were kept off of Dungeness Spit by new regulations to protect wildlife, so we headed up the South shore past the mouth of the Dungeness River. It was sunny at first, but a fog bank quickly moved in and stayed with us for about an hour. We lunched on the beach then headed back to explore the River. We had headwinds on the return. After the paddle we went to the Paradise Cafe for dinner.
July 14 thru 18, The annual BIPS summer camping trip. This was the trip that changed: Destination, starting date, duration, everything changed again and again. We finally did this: With only three participants, Kathy, Tena and Earl, we decided to open the first day to non campers, so others could join in. Tom, Brooke and Suzan joined us for an exploration of Case Inlet from Allyn to Stretch Island. We lunched at Fair Harbor Marina. It was sunny and warm with no wind. We saw lots of Kingfishers and Herons and a few seals. Afterward we had a nice dinner together at the Bar and Grill in Allyn. Sitting outside at a table on the lawn beside the water we enjoyed good food and drink, good company and a nice view of Case Inlet. Half the group had to go home after dinner, the other half headed for Twanoh State Park to camp. Next day we launched at Arcadia and paddled to Hope Island where we spent the next three days and nights exploring the island trails, homestead and beaches. We explored parts of Totten Inlet and skirted Steamboat Island on Tuesday. Wednesday we paddled to Boston Harbor on Budd Inlet for water, sandwiches and ice cream. This was a laid back trip with easy paddles and lots of reading on the beach.
June 22, Tom and Brooke lead a trip to Hood Canal with Bobbie, Tena and Earl in attendance. We start at Pleasant Harbor and head for Point Whitney where we set up a shuttle. It's a beautiful sunny day. We have a pleasant breeze at our backs and Tom has arranged for a favorable tidal current to help us along. We go ashore at Seal Rock State Park for lunch. It's a challenge to land our boats among the oyster covered boulders without scratching them up, but worth the effort. We see Ospreys and lots of Eagles. The rocky coastline is North of Seal Rock is very interesting and contrasts with the huge shallow delta of the Dosewallips. Lots of people are enjoying the beach at Point Whitney where we take out and complete the shuttle. An excellent trip for a handful of BIPS.
May 18, 2002, Tom, Brooke, Ginger, Kathy, Ronn, Debbie, John, Ryan, Earl and Tena drove to the Potholes in Eastern Washington for lake paddling and bird watching. On Saturday we explored Corral Lake and saw lots of Great Egrets. There were some turtles, a rattlesnake and other birds like Redwing and Yellowheaded Blackbirds and Marshwrens. Flox and Balsomeroot were blooming. Wind forced us off the water a little early.
Nov 25, 2001, Hi BIPS,
Tena and I kayaked alone on the Duwamish as everyone else was busy or ill (or wise to something). There were showers on the way to the put in, but soon after launching we had a nice steady rain that blossomed into a downpour which lasted most of the day. The scenery was beautiful in an industrial sort of way. The river is close to Boeing Field and right under the approach to Sea-Tac. This kept idle chatter to a minimum. There are a lot more planes flying than you would think from the news reports. One surprise was that they don't give Sunday off to some of the loudest manufacturing noises. The highlight of the trip was finding a nice clean public restroom in one of the parks. And it was open. We should have eaten our lunch in there as I was starved by the time we got back to the car. Well, that's what you missed. Eat your hearts out!
Aug 25, 2001, Stacey led us on a nice trip to Manchester Inn for breakfast and then to Blake Island. Tom and Brooke, Kathy, Bobbie, Tena and Earl were there. John kayaked to the put in from his house and joined us for the first 1/2 hour, but had to go back home to take care of guests. He said to stop by on the way back from Blake Island, there might be a pie in the oven. We sat on the deck of the Inn and had a long chat about Eastern religions, politics and martial arts while we ate breakfast. It was a nice easy paddle to Blake, but a N.breeze was starting and I didn't feel like going all the way around. Besides, I remembered John's hint about a pie. No one else wanted to paddle around Blake either, but no one mentioned the pie. We decided to head for John's place to say hi to his mother and sister. We sat on their porch and had a nice chat while eating fresh blackberry pie. This was a good trip, lots of BIPS and lots of food.
July 15 thru 20, our annual summer trip. Back to Vancouver Island this year and Barkley Sound's Broken Group islands. We haven't been to the Broken Group for 10 years and things have changed. There's are composting toilets and camp sites on several islands and lots more kayakers (160 to 200 per day). It rained as we were packing up at Toquart Bay, but stopped soon after we shoved off. We had a little wind on the crossings on the way out, up to 15 mph at Peacock Channel, but that was the strongest wind of the week. The weather was cool the whole time which is why the wind didn't kick up more. We camped on Willis Island with lots of other people and a Scout Troop. Each day we paddled around some of the Islands, going as far as 12 miles one day. It's very beautiful paddling among all the rocky little islands covered with old growth cedars. We saw more Eagles than Sea Gulls. Saw a few whales, Orcas and Grays. The most interesting thing was an archeological dig on Benson Island. One of the First Nations men gave us a talk and a guided tour. It was his band's home village they were digging up - "the people from the smelly place". Called that because of all the rotting whale carcasses that used to litter the beach. Their most famous chief was a very successful whale hunter who could afford many wives. He had a nick-name something like "copulates a lot" because of all the wives. Actually, they had a slang term for copulates. The most challenging thing was using the composting toilet on Willis which smelled of amonia so strong you couldn't breath. The pump had broken and needed repair. The paddle back to Toquart Bay was interesting because of pea soup fog. We could only see about 1/8 mile at the start. It was fun to take a bearing off the chart and follow it. Then when an island appeared out of the fog, to determine if it was the one on your course. As we progressed visibility improved to 1/4, 1/2 then 1 mile. It didn't totally clear off 'til we were back at Toquart.
May 19, Tena and I lead a BIP trip with only one other paddler. Bobby joins us for a nice little paddle from Port Hadlock to Kala Point. On the way back we explore a beautiful little stream and estuary.
April 18, BIP Trip, Bobby leads a large group of BIPS to Kalaloch for an ocean beach clean up. We join other groups on this official clean up and leave Ruby Beach and Second Beach groomed to a fair thee well. We stay at a nice bed and breakfast in Forks. But the weather turns bad and we cancel plans to paddle at Lake Cresent on the way back.
PICTURES OF THE BEACH CLEAN UP AT KLALALOCH
Aug 26, 2000, The scheduled BIP Trip to Lake Union gets cancelled because of traffic tie ups on the ferries due to partial closure of the Narrows Bridge. Also, one of the leaders had to work. Stacey, Tena and Earl decided to forgo the long waits in ferry lines and paddle to Manchester for Breakfast instead. For copping out we go rained on soon after starting. Stopped at Orchard Rocks, so Stacey and Earl could put on rain gear. No sooner were we back on the water than the rain stopped. We saw Harlequin Ducks and Seals on the way over. After a pleasant breakfast at Lena's we headed across the bay to Blake Island State Park. We looked around the sandspit, took a little walk and decided to circumnavigate the island even though it meant paddling against the current all the way. Once around the island we had a pleasant paddle back to Rich Passage with a favorable current. The sun came out and we all had to shed jackets while afloat, not an easy proposition with a sprayskirt and pfd on top of your jacket.
July 16 to 22, Our annual trip. This year we head South to the Oregon Coast and paddle the estuary and tidal sections of the Salmon River, Scholfield Creek and Smith River. We also explore the South Bay Marine Estuarine Reserve and Wassor Creek at Coos Bay. We camp one night at Nehalem Bay were the wind nearly blows us away. Five pleasant nights are spend in Umpqua Lighthouse State Park where we have 4 campsites and a Yurt. We enjoy a crab feed one night and a fabulouse salmon feast another evening. We also found a couple of good restaurants near the campground. One was right at the take-out for the Scholfield Creek paddle. The oysters were excellent. Fog and drizzle greeted us most mornings, but the sun always rewarded us later for not wimping out. On the Smith River we rode more than 10 miles up river with the tidal current carrying us along. Good friends, good paddling, good food make for a good trip. PICTURES OF FY2000 TRIP TO OREGON COAST.
May 27, 2000, The forecast called for small craft warnings on all waters and lots of rain. Bugger! We met at the totem Pole where the wind was already blowing a good 20 mph, but the sky showed signs of clearing. Whitecaps filled Agate Passage as we crossed the bridge. Bobbie, our leader for the day suggested Manzanita Bay as the most protected area. We checked it out and it wasn't too bad. Just small waves hitting the beach. As we launched the sun came out. We stayed close to shore and kept out of the wind except for the occasional gusts that every now and then reached down into every nook and cranny of the little bay. We played a little in the wind and waves, but mostly avoided any strenuous activity and just enjoyed watching he trees sway and the leaves and falling limbs blow around from our warm and protected vantage point. On our return the wind had picked tp to a good 25 mph and we all hit the beach rather fast in the tail wind. It was a great paddle: short and sweet.
April 22, 2000, Stacey lead this one for Ronn and Debbie. Bobbie, Tena and Earl also paddled. Rain was dumping and high winds were expected. Seeking protected waters, we headed for Mystery Bay on Marrowstone Island. Driving through downpours on the way over we saw low lying rainbows when the sun peeked through now and then. As we launched the sun came out and we enjoyed four hours of paddling in the sun. All around us we watched storm clouds and heavy rain, but we only got rained on a little at the end. We had the only hole in the rain in all of Puget Sound.
June 25, 1998 the monthly BIPS trip led by Stacey took us to Discovery Bay for a look at Puffins. We saw several up close; like in your face. Eagles, Rhinocerous Auklets and Guillemots showed off for us too. A great p`ddle that ended in a good downwind sail for Tena and me while the rest carried on to Protection Island.
Picture of a puffin
Aug 22, Four BIPPERS, led by Earl and Tena, ferrhed accross Rich Passage and rode the eddie to point Glover to test the currents. Then we rode the ebb to Orchard Pt and continued to Manchester, home of Lena's Manchester Inn, where we had a nice lunch on the patio. After lunch it was an easy paddle back to Bainbridge Island.
Sept 26, Stacey led the BIPS to Blake Island, for lunch at Tillicum Village. There was a big turnout for the salmon dinner cooked in traditional open fire fashion by Northwest Indians and served in a replica of an Indian longhouse. Everyone had a great time. Wind and current took the boredom out of the paddle back to Bainbridge. The Tillicum Villiage paddle could become an annual event.
Oct 24, Tom and Irma led a paddle from Home to Penrose Point. Everyone had a great time.
Dec 5, John and Ginger hosted a pot luck dinner for the BIPS. Great food was enjoyed with companionship of old friends. John's barbequed salmon topped the array of fine dishes.
Dec 19, 1998, Jerry and Tanya hosted a pot luck dinner and sing-along at their houseboat on Lake Union. Caroling kayakers visit the houseboats and everyone sings along. Friends, food, Christmas festivities: what could be better?
Feb 27, 1999, Earl and Tena lead a trip to Port Angeles and Ediz Hook. Susan, Debbie and Ronn braved the weather to join us. There was heavy rain and wind on the drive over, but at Port Angeles it was calm and just sprinkling. There were lots of clouds h`nging on the mountains, but we could see accross the Straits to Victoria. We saw a fair number of waterfowl and shorebirds, but they've been removing the log booms for environmental reasons, and the birds have fewer places to rest off shore, so we didn't see as many as I had hoped for. We saw loons, grebes, scoters, goldeneye, buffelheads, harlequins, merganzers and old squaws on the water and shorebirds included dunlin, black turnstones, ruddy turnstones, blackbellied plovers, whimbrels and sandpipers. It was warm with long sun breaks and we saw lots of rainbows.
Mar 27 Ronn and Debbie led a paddle to Sequim Bay:
We launched 11:00 Nelson Park (Tom in Double with daughter Bren and granddaughter Sebrina & Jerry & Tanya & Debbie) Light paddling took me to end of Gibson Spit by 11:20. We had a tail wind (from NW) and slight wave & chop (1 ft sea with larger slow roll underneath with occasional whitecap. I would est. Wind at 5-10 k). My travel to end of spit was wind and current driven. All paddlers commented on how fast we were moving.
Tom and family stayed in Lagoon and paddled & portaged back. The remaining group paddled to John Wayne Marina for lunch and down to Sequim Bay State Park. Wind picked up some in afternoon, had to work a bit to paddle back toward spit.Reached spit about 3 PM. Current moving out nice, gentle ride between spits. Tide running against wind on outside. Just enough wave to splash on top of
boat. A stop at Nummies in Sequim for coffee, ice cream, etc., ended the trip.
Pictures from the annual trip 1999, to Clayoquot Sound
The BIP DIP is a rite of passage for BIPS
Some Photo Fun, (pictures from some of our trips)
Links to other sites on the Web Island Canoe's pictures of canoe sailing and sea canoeing
Island Canoe's sailing and sea canoeing page
Norwegian Canoe Club, a great resource
Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Puget Soundkeepers
This site showcases pictures and stnries of Bill Mason's films, books and paintings on canoeing; Becky Mason's art and canoe courses; Paul Mason's canoe cartoons and canoeing photographs and much more.
Greatnorthwest, hiking, paddling, telemark skiing and recumbent biking, trips and tales
Mountaineers Club, extensive sea kayaking program
Seattle Kayak Club
Washington Kayak Club, most active kayak group in Puget Sound Area